World Airport CodesFor some, flying can be a scary experience at the best of times, even if it’s just from Gatwick to Madrid, with normal runways and landing paths. So imagine how much worse it’d be if you were landing somewhere like The Ice Runway in Antarctica, or the once infamous Kai Tak in Hong Kong… Not heard of them? Well how about we show you why they are amongst our rundown of The World’s scariest airport runways!
#9. Toncontin Airport, Honduras
Perched high above sea level, surrounded by mountainous terrain and quiet towns, you’ll find Toncontin Airport. Although the airport is open for international flights, there were big debates as to whether it should operate as a domestic airport only to reduce the risk of accidents with larger aircraft. This was rejected in 2009 and international flights continue to and from Toncontin.
Why so dangerous?
Due to the aforementioned height and terrain, pilots usually need to approach the runway on a zigzagged path between the mountains before making a last minute 45 degree turn and descending low over the town beneath. The runway is pretty short too and several accidents have been attributed to the pilot overshooting the landing distance.
#8. Princess Juliana International Airport, Caribbean.
Located on the Dutch side of the Saint Martin Island, this airport is a bustling hub for the average 1.6 million tourists it attracts annually. The runway is located extremely close to Maho Beach, which usually results in a mouthful of sand for the sunbathers!
Why so dangerous?
The extremely low height which the pilots need to achieve to approach the runway make this one particularly dangerous – more so for people on the ground! Ever been minding your own business on the beach, only to be covered in sand from a towel shaker? Imagine that annoyance multiplied by 100, but with the added pleasure of an airplane engine roar. About 10 times a day. Oh the joy…. not to mention the strong jet blasts on takeoff that may literally sweep you off your feet!
#7. Sea Ice Runway, Antarctica.
This runway serves the US Antarctic Program during the summer months as it is located close to McMurdo Research Station. The runway, as you may guess from the name, is made entirely of ice – what else did you expect, it’s in the Antarctic!
Why so dangerous?
Oh, you know – just the fact you are landing a multi-tonne aircraft on a sheet of ice! Although we are reassured the ice runway is just as sturdy as one made from cement, there is still the risk that the landing could cause the ice to crack…and surely, it’s extremely slippery!?
#6. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba Island
Saba is home to the shortest commercial runway in the world. At only 396 meters in length, it is closed to normal jet engine aircraft, but local airline Winnair are allowed to land their much smaller Twin Otter planes on the island.
Why so dangerous?
The Airport is flanked by dangerous cliff faces and is surrounded by a 200ft drop that would send you plunging into the sea. As only small aircraft are allowed to land here, you are also subject to experiencing a bit more turbulence than you would in a Boeing!
#5. Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Probably the most infamous on our list, most people would have heard about this beauty!
Kai Tak operated as Hong Kong’s main airport for 73 years before closing in 1998 when it was decided it would be more sensible to move the airport 19 miles west, where there was, oddly enough, much more room for aircraft!
Why so dangerous?
The landing was so tricky that pilots had to be specially trained to master the technically challenging “Hong Kong Turn” using the iconic orange checkerboard as a maneuver reference point…! The landing path sent planes towards craggy mountain faces before they would have to make a last minute sharp right turn to line up with the runway. As well as this, the planes had to fly so low over the city of Kowloon before approach, that passengers often noted they could nick clothes off of washing lines and see into residents’ apartments!
#4. Funchal Airport, Madeira
It’s been hailed as Europe’s most dangerous runway as it sits precariously perched on stilts on the edge of the shore. Although, this did lead to the Outstanding Structure Award in 2004 for being “Innovative, Creative or Otherwise Stimulating”.
Why so dangerous?
The runway was particularly short when it was first constructed and since a fatal accident in 1977, the runway has had to be extended twice. This saw the introduction of said stilts as the only room they had to extend onto happened to be the cliffs and beach below… Also, being surrounded by mountains and being on the coast mean strong coastal breezes which test even the most skilled pilot to their limits!
#3. Courchevel Airport, France
Courchevel is actually known as an Altiport, a name given to small airports within the mountainous terrain of the French Alps. As we see with Courchevel, the runway on an altiport has an upwards sloping runway; this is to aid acceleration on takeoff and to also help decrease speed upon landing.
Why so dangerous?
Firstly, lets appreciate it’s location in The Alps and the fact that is is adjacent to a ski slope…then add in the uphill landing, surrounding mountains, the ice, snow and the sheer drop at one end. Oh and the fact that there are no landing lights either so landing when it is foggy is unsafe to say the least – some say impossible…
#2. Matekane Airport, Lesotho.
The runway is mainly used by doctors and charities bringing aid to Lesotho and can be found perched atop a mountain side. It is the only way to gain access to the tiny surrounding villages, which can only be accessed on foot via small, winding tracks.
Why so dangerous?
Not only is the runway a rather short 400m, but at one end, you face a 2,000 ft drop and jagged cliff faces directly opposite. Also, you probably won’t pick up enough speed by the time you reach the end of the runway to be at an optimal height to fly…yes, that does mean that you momentarily fly directly towards the cliffs in front of you .No thanks!
#1. Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal.
In 2008, the airport was renamed from Lukla to Tenzing-Hillary in honor of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first 2 people to reach the summit of Mount Everest which sits adjacent to the runway.
Why so dangerous?
Not only is it perched atop a small mountain, at one end of the 1,700ft runway you’ll face a 9,000ft sheer drop and on the other, you’ll be nose to nose with those climbing Mount Everest. No Thanks!
There are plenty of runways that could have made this list, like Barra in Scotland, the World’s only airport that uses a beach as a runway or JFK which is apparently a nightmare to fly in and out of! Have you ever flown into any of the above?! We’d love to hear about your experience – feel free to leave a comment or a photo below!
get more i like them!